Help These Teens

May 28, 1985|The Morning Call

To the Editor:

We, as parents of mildly handicapped teens, would like to make a request to people that live in rural communities to help our teens by giving them an occasional job. It is so very important that these kids be given the opportunity to learn the rewards and satisfaction received from working.

Parents can only find so much for them to do at home. We do pay them for the extra work or special job. Somehow, though, working for your parents all the time does not bring much satisfaction. They need to know that someone else needs and wants them.

Please remember that these kids do have some limitations. Many have poor organization skills or short attention spans. They won't necessarily do a fantastic job. They need someone who is willing to teach them the right way to do the job and be patient with them so theydon't become discouraged. They need lots of praise for just trying.

As far as pay goes, it need not be much at all. Just to show them that they did work and received pay for it. It could be a powerful motivator.

Another thing, don't wait for these kids to approach you. They are so afraid of rejection that they would rather crawl into a shell to protect themselves from emotional hurt.

Some job suggestions would be - babysitting (some are very competent babysitters), visiting with an elderly person that needs someone to talk to, little odd jobs around the house or garage that would only involve a few hours.

Remember, by giving these kids a chance now, you are helping them to become self-supporting adults some day.